Non destructive framing system

ABSTRACT

A framing system is disclosed to receive an item to be displayed. The system may include a fixing device, a rear support having a substantially planar surface, and one or more fixing elements. The rear support may include an aperture that is configured to receive a fixing device at least partially therethrough. The fixing element may be configured for engagement with a respective fixing device, wherein an item to be displayed is held in place relative to the rear support under magnetic force between a fixing device and fixing element. A method for the non-destructive mounting of an item to be displayed using such a framing system is also disclosed.

BACKGROUND

Conventional picture frames consist of an outer frame which is typically made from wood, plastic or metal which has a groove formed on an inside edge into which a glass or other such transparent plate can be inserted. An item to be displayed is positioned behind the plate and is typically held in place using retaining clips at the rear. A backing plate and one or more other layers can be provided in order to securely hold the item in question in place and protect it, for example, from damage and dust. However, such arrangements are heavy and bulky and often expensive.

Alternative systems for displaying an item dispense with a frame as such and typically include a transparent plate behind which an item to be displayed is positioned, and a rear panel, the two of which are held together by means of clamping devices at the edges thereby fixing the item in position behind the plate. Typically, the devices to clamp the front and rear portions of the system described above together consist of multiple clips which retain the portions together around the periphery of the frame. Whilst such arrangements are lighter and typically expensive, the clips are often unreliable and unsightly. In addition, as they are applied around the outside of the transparent plate and rear panel, they are intrusive and protrude in front of the transparent plate, detracting from the pleasing aesthetic of the item being displayed.

In some alternatives, fixings can be introduced through a hole in the front portion, through the item to be displayed and subsequently secured at the rear using, for example, a screw threaded device. However, this method of fixing means that the item to be displayed cannot extend to the outer edges of the rear panel and transparent plate without having to have apertures made in the item to be displayed to accommodate the fixings. If such destruction to the item is unacceptable then the item for display has to be smaller in size than the rear panel and transparent plate, leaving a border which may be undesirable aesthetically.

There is therefore a need for an improved framing arrangement that overcome the problems of the prior art.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, a first aspect of the present invention provides a framing system to receive an item to be displayed, the system comprising:

one or more fixing devices; a rear support having a substantially planar surface, the rear support further defining one or more apertures therethrough, each aperture configured to receive a fixing device at least partially therethrough; and one or more fixing means, each fixing means configured for engagement with a respective fixing device, wherein an item to be displayed is held in place relative to the rear support under magnetic force between respective pairs of fixing devices and fixing means.

Using the present invention it is possible to mount an item to be displayed without the requirement that the item is sized or trimmed to allow for the positioning of the fixing device(s)/means or the requirement that holes are made in the item to accommodate one or both of the fixing device(s)/means therethrough.

Thus, as can be envisaged, the system can non-destructively maintain the item to be displayed in place relative to the rear support, and the displayed item can be quickly and easily changed.

In one embodiment, the rear support is provided with a plurality of apertures and a corresponding number of fixing devices and fixing means. Thus, the fixing devices and fixing means are used in complementary pairs. Typically, the rear support is square or rectangular and is provided with four apertures, one located adjacent each corner of the rear support. However, it is to be appreciated that the rear support may be any desired shape and provided with any suitable number of apertures.

In a further embodiment, the or each fixing device comprises first securing means to secure it within the respective aperture in the rear support. Preferably, the first securing means comprises a plurality of resilient securing arms. However, it will be appreciated that any other suitable retention means known to the skilled person could be used in addition to or as a substitute to the plurality of resilient securing arms.

The resilient securing arms may be provided with abutments configured to engage with corresponding recesses within the wall of the aperture through which the fixing device extends.

In a further embodiment, the or each fixing device further comprises a metal element for engagement with a magnetic element provided in the corresponding fixing means.

Preferably, the metal element engages with the fixing device to splay the securing arms such that on extending through the aperture, the securing arms engage with corresponding recesses in the wall of the respective aperture into which it extends, thereby securing the fixing device within the aperture.

In a further embodiment, the or each fixing device further comprises second securing means to secure the magnetic component in place relative to the fixing device.

Preferably, the second securing means comprises a plurality of resilient securing arms.

More preferably, the resilient securing arms of the second securing means are provided with abutments to engage with corresponding recesses provided within the metal element of the fixing device.

The metal element of the or each fixing device may comprise a substantially planar surface which is contiguous with the substantially planar surface of the rear support, when the fixing device extends through the respective aperture in the rear support.

In a further embodiment, the framing system further comprises a front plate for location between the item to be displayed and the or each fixing means.

Preferably, the front plate is provided with one or more locating portions, the or each locating portion aligning with a respective aperture in the rear support and within which the fixing means are located.

The or each locating portion may comprise an aperture extending at least partially through the front plate. Alternatively, the or each location portion may comprises a shallow recess into which the fixing means is accommodated in use, each shallow recess aligning with an aperture in the rear support.

In a further embodiment, the or each fixing device is further provided with a mounting portion located distal to the first and second securing means, to facilitate the mounting of the system to a fixed structure.

Preferably, the or each fixing device comprises a lip to abut against a portion of the front display plate, in use.

A second aspect of the present invention provides a method for the non-destructive mounting of an item to be displayed, the method comprising the steps of:

a) providing a framing system including one or more pairs of magnetic fixing devices and magnetic fixing means and a rear support, the rear support defining one or more apertures to receive a fixing device at least partially therethrough; b) inserting a fixing device into each rear support aperture; c) locating the item to be displayed on the rear support; d) securing the item to be displayed between the rear support and the fixing means by locating a fixing means on the opposing side of the item to be displayed to the fixing device, each fixing means being aligned with a respective fixing device for magnetic engagement with one another, thereby holding the item to be displayed in place relative to the rear support.

The method may further include the step of providing a front plate for location between the item to be displayed and the fixing means such that the item is at least partially visible through the front plate.

Preferably, the or each fixing device includes resilient arm portions to releasably locate the fixing device within the respective rear plate aperture.

A further aspect of the present invention provides a method according to a second aspect of the present invention, wherein the framing system is a framing system according to a first aspect of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a framing system in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a fixing device of the framing system of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 3 shows a view from above of the fixing device of FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular examples only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that the term “and/or” as used herein refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of one embodiment of a framing system 10 according to the present invention. The framing system 10 can be provided in the form of a kit for receiving an item 20 to be displayed or mounted. Such an item 20 can be an image such as a photograph or piece of artwork, or an item 20 displaying information, such as a poster, corporate promotion or information sheet to be displayed in a shop window for example. In particular, the frame allows the easy mounting of images in a series to be displayed in multiple frames. The framing system is also suited for situations where the image to be displayed is to be changed on a regular basis as the frame can be easy dismantled and assembled as required. Other alternatives are possible as will be apparent, and the above are not intended to be limiting.

A front display plate 30 includes front apertures 32 to receive respective fixing elements 34. The plate 30 can be fully or partially transparent. For example, portions can be transparent and other portions, such as the border portions, may be opaque or provided with a decorative obscuring pattern or any other suitable non-transparent arrangement to prevent viewing of the item 20 therethrough.

Rear support 40 is provided with apertures 42 configured to receive respective fixing devices 50 partially therethrough and to align with apertures 32 in front display plate 30 when the frame is assembled.

Fixing devices 50 comprise a mounting portion 52 provided with an abutment 54 that extends around the body, the abutment 54 configured to locate against an outer surface 44 of rear support 40 when the fixing device 50 is located within aperture 42 of rear support 40. Fixing device 50 further comprises a plurality of resilient securing arms 56, 56′ extending away from mounting portion 52 and provided with abutment members 58, 58′ located distal to mounting portion 52.

Abutment members 58 define a receiving portion 60 dimensioned to receive a metal element 70 therein. Metal element 70 comprises a body 72 having an upper surface 74 with a fixing device engagement portion 76 extending away from upper surface 74 and provided with recess 78 for engagement with abutment members 58 of resilient securing arms 56.

Apertures 42 are provided with recess 46 for engagement with abutment members 58′ of resilient securing arms 56′.

In use, metal element 70 is pushed into receiving portion 60 of fixing device 50. The action of locating metal element 70 within receiving portion 60 has the effect of splaying resilient securing arms 56′ apart. Resilient securing arms 56 become located in recess 78 of metal element 70 and into engagement with projection 76 of metal element 70.

Metal element 70 is thereby retained within receiving portion 60 of fixing device 50 by inter-engagement between abutment members 58 of resilient securing arms 56 and fixing device engagement portion 76 of metal element 70.

Once the metal element 70 has been located in place relative to fixing device 50, the assembly is inserted into aperture 42 in rear support 40. As can be seen in FIG. 1, fixing device 50 can extend only partially through aperture 42 of rear support 40 as abutment 54 of fixing device 50 abuts against outer surface 44 of rear support 40. When fixing device 50 is pushed into aperture 42 of rear support 40, abutment member 58′ of splayed resilient securing arm 56′ locates within recess 46 of rear support 40 and engages with fixing device engagement portion 48 of rear support 40, thereby securing fixing device 50 within rear support 40. When fixing device 50 is secured in place within aperture 42 of rear support 40, upper surface 74 of metal element 70 lies flush with upper surface 49 of rear support such that a substantially planar surface is provided on which to receive a display item 20.

Once each aperture 42 in rear support 40 has been provided with a fixing device 40 and metal element 70, a display item 20 can be received on upper surface 49 of rear support 40.

A transparent front display plate 30 is then located in place on top of display item 20 such that the front apertures 32 in front display plate 30 are aligned with apertures 42 in rear support 40.

Fixing elements 34 are provided for location in respective apertures 32 of front support 30. Each fixing element 34 comprises a body portion 35 provided with upper projection 36 and defining magnet receiving portion 37. Fixing element 34 further comprises a magnetic element 38 located within magnet receiving portion 37 such that body portion 35 and magnetic element 38 define a substantially planar surface 39 which makes contact with the upper surface of display item 20 when the framing system is fully assembled, during use.

Fixing elements 34 are then located within respective front apertures 32 on front display plate 30 such that upper projection 36 abuts against the upper surface of front display plate 30, thereby restricting how far fixing element 34 extends through aperture 32 of front display plate 30, in use. When the upper projection 36 of fixing element 34 abuts against the upper surface of front display plate 30, planar surface 39 and the lower surface of front display plate 30 provide a substantially planar surface for contact with display item 20, such that display item 20 is sandwiched between front display plate 30 and rear support 40. Front display plate 20 and rear support 40 are held together under magnetic force between each pair of fixing devices and fixing elements.

In this way, display item 20 is held within framing system 10 without the requirement for apertures in the display item 20 to fix the front display plate 30 and rear support 40 together. In addition, the framing system 10 allows convenient and simple removal of the fixing elements 34 and front display plate 30 to expose the display item 20 for substitution with an alternative display item 20. Front display plate 20 can then be simply replaced with front apertures 32 in alignment apertures 42 in rear support 40 and held in place by locating fixing elements 34 back in position in respective front apertures 32.

It is to be noted that in the example shown in the figures, fixing element 34 is made, at least in part, of a magnetic material and metal element 70 is made of any suitable metal to be attracted to the magnetic material of fixing element 34. However, it is to be appreciated that metal element 70 may comprise, at least in part, of a magnetic material and fixing element 34 may comprise a suitable metal material. Alternatively, both fixing element 34 and metal element 70 may comprise, at least in part, a magnetic material, provided that fixing element 34 and metal element are attracted to each other and provide sufficient force to hold front display plate 30 against rear support 40 to retain display item 20 therebetween during use. 

1. A framing system to receive an item to be displayed comprising: one or more fixing devices; a rear support having a substantially planar surface, the rear support further defining one or more apertures therethrough, each aperture configured to receive a fixing device at least partially therethrough; and one or more fixing elements, each fixing elements configured for engagement with a respective fixing device, wherein an item to be displayed is held in place relative to the rear support under magnetic force between respective pairs of fixing devices and fixing elements.
 2. The framing system of claim 1 further comprising a display item, the display item being non-destructively maintained in place relative to the rear support.
 3. The framing system of claim 1, wherein the rear support includes a plurality of apertures and a corresponding number of fixing devices and fixing elements.
 4. The framing system of claim 1, wherein each fixing device comprises a first securing member to secure it within the respective aperture in the rear support.
 5. The framing system of claim 4, wherein the first securing member comprises a plurality of resilient securing arms.
 6. The framing system of claim 5, wherein the resilient securing arms include abutments configured to engage with corresponding recesses within a wall of the aperture through which the fixing device extends.
 7. The framing system of claim 1, wherein each fixing device further comprises a metal element for engagement with a metal element provided in the corresponding fixing elements.
 8. The framing system of claim 7, wherein the metal element engages with the fixing device to splay the securing arms such that on extending through the aperture, the securing arms engage with corresponding recesses in the wall of the respective aperture into which it extends, thereby securing the fixing device within the aperture.
 9. The framing system of claim 4, wherein each fixing device further comprises a second securing member to secure the metal component in place relative to the fixing device.
 10. The framing system of claim 9, wherein the second securing member comprises a plurality of resilient securing arms.
 11. The framing system of claim 10, wherein the resilient securing arms of the second securing member are provided with abutments to engage with corresponding recesses provided within the metal element of the fixing device.
 12. The framing system of claim 7, wherein the metal element of each fixing device comprises a substantially planar surface which is contiguous with the substantially planar surface of the rear support, when the fixing device extends through the respective aperture in the rear support.
 13. The framing system of claim 1 further comprising a front plate for location between the item to be displayed and the corresponding fixing element.
 14. The framing system of claim 13, wherein the front plate is provided with one or more locating portions, each locating portion aligning with a respective aperture in the rear support and within which the fixing element is located.
 15. The framing system of claim 14, wherein each locating portion comprises an aperture extending at least partially through the front plate.
 16. The framing system of claim 9, wherein each fixing device is further comprises a mounting portion located distal to the first and second securing member, to facilitate the mounting of the system to a fixed structure.
 17. The framing system of claim 13, wherein each fixing device comprises a lip to abut against a portion of the front display plate.
 18. A method for the non-destructive mounting of an item to be displayed comprising: a) providing a framing system including one or more pairs of magnetically attracted fixing devices and fixing elements, and a rear support, the rear support defining one or more apertures to receive a fixing device at least partially therethrough; b) inserting a fixing device into each rear support aperture; c) locating the item to be displayed on the rear support; d) securing the item to be displayed between the rear support and the fixing elements by locating a fixing elements on the opposing side of the item to be displayed to the fixing device, each fixing elements being aligned with a respective fixing device for magnetic engagement with one another, thereby holding the item to be displayed in place relative to the rear support.
 19. The method of claim 18 further comprising providing a front plate for location between the item to be displayed and the fixing elements such that the item is at least partially visible through the front plate.
 20. The method of claim 18, wherein each fixing device includes resilient arm portions to releasably locate the fixing device within the respective rear plate aperture.
 21. (canceled) 